French disinformation watchdog Viginum has identified the Israeli firm BlackCore as the source of alleged digital interference campaigns targeting political processes in France, New York, Scotland, Angola, and Togo. According to Viginum chief Marc-Antoine Brillant, technical investigations linked the company to smear campaigns and foreign influence operations, though the identity of the entities who commissioned these actions remains unknown.
Global Scope of Alleged Interference
Viginum’s report indicates that BlackCore’s activities extended well beyond the French municipal elections held in March. Marc-Antoine Brillant stated that the firm’s modus operandi, which involved targeting pro-Palestine France Unbowed (LFI) mayoral candidates, was also deployed during the 2025 New York City municipal elections and political contests in Scotland. In Scotland, the firm allegedly targeted First Minister John Swinney, who has publicly characterized the situation in Gaza as a “man-made humanitarian catastrophe.” While the firm previously marketed itself as an “elite influence, cyber, and technology company” for information warfare, it has not responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations.
Did You Know? Before scrubbing its online presence following inquiries from journalists, BlackCore explicitly described its services as providing governments and political campaigns with the tools required to “shape narratives” through modern information warfare.
Diplomatic and Investigative Consequences
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has formally requested that Israeli authorities provide an explanation regarding BlackCore’s operations and assist in identifying the sponsors behind the smear campaigns. During a press conference, Lecornu drew a parallel to the potential reaction of the French government, stating that if a French private group were found to be interfering in Israeli politics, France would expect to cooperate with a subsequent investigation. The Israeli embassy in Paris confirmed it had received the request and is awaiting detailed findings from the French probe to determine its next steps, while maintaining that Israel has no intention of interfering in French political processes.
Expert Insight: The request for cooperation between France and Israel highlights the growing tension between private-sector cyber influence firms and national sovereignty. By seeking international assistance, the French government is attempting to establish accountability for “ghost” operations where the client remains hidden, a common hurdle in modern digital forensics that complicates traditional diplomatic norms.
What May Happen Next
The investigation is likely to continue as French authorities press for more data from Israel. If the investigation successfully identifies who commissioned these operations, it could lead to significant legal or diplomatic fallout for those clients. Meanwhile, as government agencies like the FBI and CISA remain silent on the matter, the lack of immediate public response from officials in New York and Scotland suggests that the full scale of BlackCore’s influence on those specific elections remains a subject of ongoing analysis rather than immediate prosecution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BlackCore accused of doing?
According to Viginum, the firm is suspected of conducting digital interference and smear campaigns against political candidates in France, New York, and Scotland, while also operating in Angola and Togo.
Has anyone been identified as the sponsor of these campaigns?
No. Viginum chief Marc-Antoine Brillant stated that their investigations have not been able to identify the sponsor or sponsors behind the alleged interference.
How has the Israeli government responded?
The Israeli embassy in Paris confirmed that France reached out for help and stated that it is waiting for details from the French probe to conduct its own, while denying any intent to interfere in French politics.
How should voters distinguish between legitimate political advocacy and foreign-sponsored digital interference?